Storylines: Coventry City

mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday’s clash with Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena...

GEORGE HITS CENTURY GOAL
George Baldock will reach a milestone in Saturday’s clash, with the right-back set to make his 100th MK Dons appearance.

The 24-year-old, who made his Dons debut back in January 2011, becomes only the third MK Dons Academy graduate to pass the 100 mark in terms of Club appearances, joining current team-mate Daniel Powell (259) and his brother Sam Baldock (124).

With the season still relatively young, there is a very good chance the right-back could surpass his sibling’s tally during this campaign and move to second in the list.

GET ON UP, WHEN YOU’RE DOWN
Tuesday’s defeat was a difficult one for everyone inside Stadium MK to take and with just four days separating it from the clash with Coventry City, it’s vital the team pick themselves up quickly and turn their attentions to the trip to Warwickshire.

Against the side one place above them in the table, it’s a chance for the Dons to respond and climb out of the relegation zone ahead of the Emirates FA Cup break.

“We’ve got to dig ourselves out of it because we are in a relegation scrap at the minute,” said right-back George Baldock after Tuesday’s loss. “If we win on Saturday then we’ll probably get out of the relegation zone, though.”

CHANGE OF ATTACK?
After back-to-back positive results, it was no surprise the Dons’ starting XI remained relatively unchanged for Tuesday’s clash but following the disappointing defeat, caretaker boss Richie Barker may look to switch around his team in hope of inspiring a victory.

Darren Potter is one player who could return to the side after recovering from a leg injury, while Ryan Colclough and George C Williams will be pushing for starts after impressive cameos off the bench against Chesterfield and Bristol Rovers respectively.

Daniel Powell is one player who will be looking to maintain his place in the side, though, after impressing and scoring in his first league start since the 22nd October.

MORE MINUTES FOR CHUKS?
Chuks Aneke made his long-awaited debut in Tuesday’s game, coming off the bench in the 84th minute for his first appearance in over a year.

The cameo capped off a tireless period of intense rehabilitation for the attacking midfielder, who will continue to be monitored as he aims to return to full fitness.

Richie Barker said: “It’s certainly a positive moving forward that we’ve got a talented player and somebody we’ve all been looking forward to having available, back on the pitch.

“It’s going to take time, though. I don’t want to put any unrealistic expectations on him because he’s not going to be ready for a start in the near future – he’s got a long way to go but it’s a positive first step.”

Still some way off being able to start again, Aneke is expected to be amongst the substitutes on Saturday, should he respond well, this week in training, to first match-action in just less than 12 months.